Effectiveness of oral contraceptives after WLS?

Hello all-

I'm still a good 6 months away from getting a surgery date, but the surgeon I am seeing told me that he discontinues all oral medications after surgery, including birth control. Now, I could use something like Nuvaring (non oral), but he also mentioned that chemical methods of birth control are for the most part, ineffective after WLS. I intend to ask him more about this because it seems hard to believe, but I thought I'd check with all of you and see if you have any thoughts, experience, information on this? I understand that it's very dangerous to get pregnant while losing...

Thanks all!
Laura

Yeah you know that makes me wonder cause I have Mirena IUCD I wonder if I have to get it taken  out.   That would so suck!

Laura I found this someone put up:
*BC Pills do not work effectively post RNY gastric bypass surgery due to malabsorption. If your body can't absorb the medication correctly then it can't work as well as it is intended to.

*Depo shot is a great option for those who want longer term BC.It is effective for us because it bypasses the digestive system so we absorb it fully. But it can take up to 18 months after stopping it to concieve.

*Patches are a good option foro many because they also bypass the digestive system and are as effective as advertized.

*IUD's...including the Mirena hormonal IUD are not recommended for those who haven't had a child. For those who have it may be a good option again because there is no involvement of the digestive system.

*NuvaRing sounds like a good option because conception can occur shortly after discontinuing, it bypasses the digestive system, and not many link it to weight gain.

THANK YOU! That's good info. I once had a depo shot and it was so terrible for me since I need low dose. My surgeon said "just get an IUD" but I haven't had a child yet, and I remember from the MIrena commercials it's not a good idea if you haven't had one yet and want to. Glad to know I will have other options! whew... ;o) I want kids but...not yet!

I hear yah I do not want any more just yet...in 5 years maybe but not at all right  now.

Well Laura answered your question.  Also, they say that you store your hormones in your fat cells and after surgery, when you are losing weight rapidly, the hormones are released and you are much more fertile and need to use multiple forms of birth control anyways.  It's not healthy for either you or the baby to get pregnant within 18 months after surgery.  It happens, but it's not a great idea. 

Luckily for me my husband got "snipped" before surgery when I had to go off BC, so I don't have to worry about it all now.  LOL!

Heather

I'm still pre op and having a different WLS but I know that many forms of BC increase your risk of blood clots. My doctor wants me off BC a month before and a month after surgery for that reason.

Oh those are good points from everyone - being more fertile after losing weight and being LESS prone to blot clots before surgery. Good things to consider long in advance. I keep thinking "SIX  MONTHS! I have to wait that long for WLS?!" but I imagine there are going to be a lot of factors that come to my attention during that time and I'll be better off having waited. Thanks all.

Hi...I went to the Pre Op workshop that Dr Kligman has for us and they said...NO babies for at least 2 years after the surgery...and BC pills won't work    so...you will need to find something else and be super careful...I would ask Kligman and his staff...they are so helpful and understanding.  You'll see!!

 

I have to completely agree with Angie, multiple forms of birth control is highly recommended. I got pregnant after a year of using Mirena IUD!!!! It was still positioned perfectly when they removed it. And this was after nine years of infertility and one baby that was conceived with heavy fertility meds. If hubby doesn't mind, tell him to wrap it up!!!